Should a Christian be Patriotic?
The question of whether a Christian should be patriotic often elicits strong and divided opinions. At its core, it is a question about the relationship between our citizenship in an earthly nation and our citizenship in God’s eternal kingdom. A thoughtful examination of Scripture reveals principles that can guide Christians as they wrestle with what it means to be patriotic citizens of both realms.
Ultimately, the Bible calls believers to prioritize their allegiance to Jesus Christ and his kingdom above any earthly realm (Philippians 3:20). However, this does not mean that Christians cannot or should not love and serve their nation. Patriotism – properly understood – is compatible with biblical Christianity. The key is developing a balanced perspective that avoids the extremes of nationalism on the one hand and indifference or disdain for one’s nation on the other.
Biblical Support for Honoring and Serving One’s Nation
The Bible contains many examples of believers who loved and served their nations, even ungodly ones. Joseph occupied a prominent position in Egypt without compromising his faith. Daniel served faithfully in the administrations of pagan kings. And the apostle Paul utilized his Roman citizenship on occasion to further the spread of the gospel.
Scripture teaches that God has instituted spheres of governing authority for the well-being of society (Romans 13:1-7). While no human authority rivals God’s, Christians are called to submit to and pray for those in leadership over them. At times, there may be tension between obeying God and obeying men (Acts 5:29). But even corrupt and hostile regimes are ultimately under God’s sovereign oversight, used by him to accomplish his purposes.
The Bible instructs God’s people to seek the good of their communities and cities, even when living as exiles and strangers in them (Jeremiah 29:7). Jesus modeled perfect citizenship when he paid taxes and taught respect for governing authorities (Matthew 22:15-22). And the apostle Peter taught early Christians to honor earthly authorities instituted by God, even emperor Nero who viciously persecuted them (1 Peter 2:13-17).
Biblical figures like Joseph, Daniel, and Paul provide examples of faithfully serving ungodly nations without compromising devotion to God. Even Jesus and Peter exhorted respect for governing authorities despite their corruption. Thus, appropriate love of country and desire for its wellbeing is consistent with Christianity.
Cautions Regarding Nationalism and Misplaced Patriotism
However, Scripture also warns against the dangers of nationalism and prideful patriotism. God’s people must recall that their ultimate citizenship and allegiance is to God’s eternal kingdom, not any earthly realm (Philippians 3:20, Revelation 5:9-10). The kingdoms of this world are temporary and flawed, destined to give way to the perfect reign of Jesus Christ.
The Bible condemns arrogant boasting or presumption upon one’s national heritage (Matthew 3:9). God’s favor comes through humble faith in Christ, not ethnic identity or birthright in a particular nation.
Scripture also denounces injustice, oppression of the vulnerable, and other evils that may be enshrined in human societies. Followers of Jesus are called to moral courage in opposing sin, even when found in their own culture. The apostles obeyed God rather than men when commanded to cease evangelism (Acts 5:29). And the Old Testament prophets frequently confronted the evils of their nation, despite persecution for doing so.
In Revelation, the apostle John warns against compromised allegiance to the Beast – symbolic of human rulers and societies that demand idolatrous worship and set themselves against God. The saints’ highest loyalty is reserved for the Lamb. While Christians may suffer for resisting statism, compromise is unacceptable.
Therefore, patriotism must have moral limits. Love of country dare not trump obedience to God. Pride in national identity can subtly displace God from his rightful place. And criticism of one’s nation may at times be prophetic, if done in the spirit of truth and love.
Principles for Balanced Patriotism
In light of biblical teaching, the following principles can guide Christians toward a balanced patriotism:
– Our ultimate citizenship is in God’s kingdom; earthly nations are secondary (Philippians 3:20). Give allegiance to Jesus Christ above all.
– Fulfill civic obligations and seek the welfare of your community and nation (Jeremiah 29:7). Be a good neighbor and faithful citizen.
– Uphold justice, defend the oppressed, welcome immigrants – call nations to align with biblical values (Isaiah 1:17). Promote the good, confront the evil.
– Respect governing authorities, even imperfect ones (Romans 13:1-7). Submit even to hostile regimes, unless directly defying God.
– Avoid idolizing leaders or putting unconditional trust in nations (Psalms 20:7). All are flawed; look to God alone as Savior.
– Beware pride in national identity (Matthew 3:9). Ethnicity and earthly citizenship do not merit boasting.
– Maintain moral courage to stand for truth (Acts 5:29). Obey God first when national loyalty conflicts.
– Remember that earthly nations are temporary (Revelation 21:1). The eternal kingdom of Christ endures forever.
– Pray for peace and prosperity in your land (Jeremiah 29:7). Seek the good of your nation as a blessing from God.
Proper patriotism requires discernment and wisdom to walk these principles out in practical ways. With thoughtfulness and God’s help, Christians can be loyal citizens of earthly nations without compromising their devotion to Jesus Christ and his eternal kingdom. The Bible offers neither uncritical nationalism nor complete disengagement from the societies in which God has placed us. As believers seek first God’s kingdom while loving neighbors and serving communities, they embody balanced patriotism.
Understanding Diverse Perspectives on Patriotism
Given the complexity of this topic, Bible-believing Christians hold a diversity of views on the interplay between faith and patriotism. It is worth understanding different perspectives within the bounds of orthodoxy:
Civic Patriotism – This view focuses on patriotism as love for the ideals a nation aspires to and working within civic structures for positive change. It emphasizes democracy, justice, and concern for all citizens over ethnic nationalism.
Principled Patriotism – This perspective distinguishes appropriate love of country and desire for its general welfare from uncritical acceptance of all its policies. It sees room for principled dissent when state demands conflict with core values.
Selective Patriotism – This stance is comfortable celebrating cultural heritage and honoring those who have served the nation honorably but is wary of nationalism and unchecked military/government power. It advocates selective engagement.
Kingdom Priority – This outlook stresses that Christians’ allegiance is to God’s kingdom before any earthly nation. It is cautious about patriotism leading to idolatry and marginalization of other people groups.
Dual Loyalties – This view argues believers balance obligations to both God’s kingdom and earthly citizenship, recognizing the value of both but prioritizing kingdom loyalty in cases of conflict.
While sincere Christians espouse each perspective, it is important to extend grace and charity to those with whom we differ, so long as we agree on fidelity to biblical teaching. Unity around the gospel and the lordship of Jesus Christ allows diversity in application regarding patriotic expressions.
Navigating Patriotic Holidays and Customs
One practical arena where questions about patriotism arise is around national holidays and patriotic customs. For example, how should a follower of Jesus approach celebrating the 4th of July or Canada Day? Are pledges of allegiance appropriate? What about national anthems and flags?
This is an area for individual conscience enlightened by biblical wisdom. Nowhere does Scripture condemn national celebrations, anthems, or honoring the flag. However, for some, certain symbolic acts feel uncomfortably nationalistic.
A few principles may be helpful:
– Consider your motives and what a practice communicates symbolically. Is your heart motivation wholesome or mixed?
– Reflect on any peer pressure to conform. Are you free to abstain or modify participation? Or does nonconformity have dangerous consequences? Examine your conscience.
– Weigh matters prayerfully before God. Listen to the Spirit’s nudge either to participate or refrain.
– Focus on Christ-like love for all people, regardless of ethnicity, citizenship, or economic class. Let this guide your conduct more than social custom.
– Extend grace to fellow believers who come to different conclusions on disputable matters of national loyalty and symbolism.
There is room for diversity in assessing patriotic practices. The Holy Spirit may lead different Christians to different applications. What is wise for one may cause undue offense for another.
As citizens of God’s kingdom, believers find their deepest identity and security in Christ alone. Earthly displays are temporal. Approach them with open hands, yielding always to the supremacy of Jesus and his eternal nation comprised of every tribe, tongue and nation.
How to Model Faithful Citizenship
As Christians discern what faithful citizenship looks like in their context, the following practical guidance may help translate principles into practice:
– Honor governing leaders but keep them in perspective as fellow sinners in need of God’s grace. Avoid idolizing fallible people (Romans 13:1, 7).
– Pay taxes, follow just laws, and contribute to the common good through work, volunteerism, and responsible living (Matthew 22:21, Titus 3:1-2).
– Participate constructively in civic affairs, working within legal means to uphold justice, especially for the vulnerable. Be “salt and light” in your community (Matthew 5:13-16).
– Where conscience permits, respect national symbols like flags and anthems as a gesture of honoring others. But receive all merely human customs with open hands.
– Intercede diligently for those in authority over you that they may pursue policies that reflect God’s character andvalues (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
– Consider public service a noble calling if undertaken with wisdom and integrity. Government and civil sectors offer ways to love neighbors.
– Be quick to help neighbors in need, regardless of race, class, or citizenship status. privileging no ethnic group but loving all impartially (Luke 10:25-37).
– Avoid animosity toward those deemed “enemies.” Return good for evil; bless those who persecute you (Luke 6:27-28, Romans 12:14).
– Should Christian obedience to God ever conflict with man’s law, follow the example of Peter and declare, “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29). Be respectfully defiant.
– Remember that your security and worth rest entirely in your identity as a beloved child of God. Do not seek meaning in national greatness or ethnic superiority (Galatians 3:26-29).
Far from disengaging from society, Christians must be its most active and faithful citizens. But always loyal first to the kingdom of God and fueled by love. By living as salt and light, believers offer nations the hope of transformation from the inside out.
Conclusion
In an age of polarized and strident nationalism, faithful Christian citizenship requires navigating tensions between competing allegiances. Scriptural principles exist to guide believers away from idolizing the state and toward constructive patriotism centered in God’s eternal kingdom. With wisdom and grace, the church can model love of country without worshiping the country itself.
Since nations are deeply flawed but also used by God, appropriate affection and sober criticism must be held in tandem. Honoring leaders, loving neighbors, and seeking a society’s welfare can and should be paired with moral courage to confront injustice. Loyalty to Christ surpasses all, yet still allows identification with the blessings and struggles of one’s earthly home.
By prioritizing their heavenly citizenship, while also serving as salt and light in their land, Christians live out balanced patriotism. With the Spirit’s help they avoid extremes of nationalism and isolationism. Their faithful presence as citizens of both realms offers hope of positive change to their communities and nations. For God’s glory and the good of all people.